Naturally Digital

My second coding assignment is inspired by the possibilities of the Perlin noise code. When we were first introduced to this code in our MEDA102 tutorial, I was fascinated by the way a computer can craft something so natural and realistic through coding. I decided to abstract this concept of the natural vs the man-made in my digital code, by changing the form, colour and transparency of the Perlin noise design.

An example of Perlin noise in action.

For inspiration, I drew on the concept of ordered chaos present in many works of early computer artists. These included Vera Molnar (who utilised overlapping, transparent shapes to create depth) and Frieder Nake (who layered rectangles to create chaotic, colourful grids) in particular. By combining these and adding elements from my own imagination, I successfully abstracted my idea into digital code.

Frieder Nake

Vera Molnar

Through the use of rectangles, blue/green tones and contrasting straight lines, I managed to create a digital waveform effect. The result is similar to what you might see in a digital audio visualisation, whilst also remaining reminiscent of natural forms such as the ocean’s waves and rolling hills.